Although I primarily rely on iPads for digital art and design, I’ve frequently turned to Samsung tablets for drawing—thanks to their vibrant high-resolution displays, seamless S Pen support, and the natural, responsive drawing experience they offer.
After using a variety of Samsung tablets over the years, I’ve narrowed down my top 5 favorites. These models stand out for their stylus precision, stunning display quality, and long-lasting battery life—everything a digital artist could want in an Android tablet.
Galaxy Tab S9+
Galaxy Tab S8+
Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
In this post, you’ll find in-depth reviews, helpful buying tips, and answers to some of the most common questions about using Samsung tablets for drawing.
1. SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S9+ Plus
Having used the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ for various graphic design projects, I found it to be an impressively capable tool tailored to creative professionals. Its standout feature is the large 12.4-inch AMOLED display, which delivers vibrant colors and sharp detail—essential for precision work and accurate color reproduction. The Vision Booster further enhances visibility by adjusting brightness and contrast based on ambient lighting, making it easy to work anywhere.
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, the Tab S9+ handles demanding design software with ease. I experienced smooth performance, even with large files and multitasking. Wi-Fi 6E support also ensured fast, stable connectivity for file sharing and cloud access.
The included S Pen was another highlight. It offered excellent responsiveness and pressure sensitivity, making sketching and illustrating feel natural and intuitive. I also appreciated the tablet’s durable Armor Aluminum build and IP68 rating, which gave me confidence while working on the go.
Features like DeX Mode added to the tablet’s versatility by offering a desktop-like experience. While the lack of a headphone jack and limited refresh rate control were minor drawbacks, they didn’t overshadow the overall performance. For designers seeking a powerful Android tablet, the Tab S9+ is a top-tier choice.
2. SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S8+ Plus
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ offers an ideal blend of performance and value, making it a fantastic option for artists looking for a reliable digital canvas without a hefty price tag.
Its standout feature is the 12.4-inch sAMOLED display, which delivers vivid colors and exceptional clarity—perfect for detailed illustrations and precise color work. Every brushstroke felt alive on this screen, bringing depth and vibrancy to my digital art.
The included S Pen significantly elevated the drawing experience. Its responsiveness and natural feel closely mimic traditional pen-on-paper drawing, allowing for expressive lines and fine detail. It felt intuitive, fluid, and highly accurate.
Under the hood, the Galaxy Tab S8+ runs on a powerful Snapdragon chipset and comes with 128GB of storage, handling creative apps and multitasking with ease. For artists who draw inspiration from the world around them, the 4K ultra-wide camera is a bonus, capturing crisp photos and videos.
Though the wider aspect ratio isn’t ideal for portrait-style work, simple orientation tweaks solved the issue. The haptic feedback felt a bit underwhelming, but it didn’t detract from the overall experience. For artists seeking a capable, well-rounded Android tablet, the Galaxy Tab S8+ delivers impressive value.
3. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
For artists entering the digital art world and seeking a powerful, budget-friendly tablet with a large display, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is an excellent choice.
Its expansive 12.4-inch screen provides ample space for detailed, vibrant artwork. The high-resolution display ensures every color and brushstroke appears crisp and accurate—ideal for fine detailing and precise color work. It’s a joy to use for artists who prioritize clarity and canvas space.
Powered by the latest Exynos chipset, the Tab S9 FE+ delivers smooth performance across popular drawing apps. Whether working with complex, multi-layered illustrations or toggling between tools, the tablet handles tasks well, though occasional stutters can occur under heavier workloads.
Battery life is another strong point. I could draw for extended periods without worrying about recharging, and the Super Fast Charging feature kept downtime minimal. The included S Pen was equally impressive, offering precise input and a natural feel that closely mimics traditional drawing.
Its IP68 water and dust resistance adds a layer of durability, and while the fingerprint sensor was occasionally finicky, it was a minor issue. Overall, the Tab S9 FE+ stands out as a reliable, feature-rich tablet perfect for beginner digital artists.
4. SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
Next on my list is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra—a standout tablet for digital drawing, but especially impressive for animation. From my experience, it excels in areas animators care about most.
Its massive 14.6-inch Super AMOLED display with a 2960 x 1848 resolution offers an expansive, vibrant canvas. The detail, color accuracy, and clarity it delivers were invaluable for my animation projects, allowing for nuanced, high-quality work.
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, along with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, the tablet handled demanding animation software smoothly. The 10,880mAh battery ensured I could work for hours without interruption. The included S Pen was a major asset—its precision, pressure sensitivity, and low latency made sketching frames and fine-tuning animations feel natural and responsive.
The tablet’s UHD 4K-capable camera was also handy for capturing references and enhancing realism in my animations.
Overall, the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is a powerhouse for animators seeking a large, high-performance Android tablet with excellent creative features.
5. SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S10+ Plus
The Galaxy Tab S10+ is one of the most well-rounded Samsung tablets for digital artists, offering a great balance of performance, display quality, and creative features at a reasonable price.
Its 12.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display delivers vivid, accurate colors and sharp detail—perfect for working on intricate illustrations, layers, and textures. The screen’s clarity makes it easy to focus on fine artistic elements without straining your eyes.
The included S Pen is a standout feature, providing a natural, responsive drawing experience with excellent pressure sensitivity for clean, precise strokes. Tools like Sketch to Image and Note Assist further boost creativity and productivity by transforming rough sketches into visuals and helping organize handwritten content.
With 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, the Tab S10+ handles demanding art apps effortlessly. Multitasking, switching tools, and working with multiple layers all feel smooth and responsive.
Its durable, splash- and dust-resistant build makes it ideal for artists on the move. While the wider aspect ratio may not suit all portrait-focused work, canvas settings can easily be adjusted. The haptic feedback could use refinement, but it doesn’t detract from the overall drawing experience.
Conclusion
From my experience, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ stands out as the best Samsung tablet for drawing. Its combination of advanced features and artist-friendly design makes it a powerful tool for creatives of all levels.
Of course, Samsung offers a range of tablets that cater to different needs and budgets. That’s why I’ve shared my top picks, along with practical tips from my hands-on testing, to help you choose the right one.
So, which tablet are you considering? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear what you’re leaning toward!
